There are two basic level types within the game. The first simply places a time limit on you in which time you simply have to get your ball as large as possible, offering plenty of opportunities to go back and beat your best width. You're also awarded bonus recognition for collecting as many items of a certain type as possible, such as crabs, cows or twins. The second type presents you with goals where you need to attain a certain size within a set time limit. Such levels can get very exciting as with a minute to go you realise that you're finally able to pick up that collection of market stalls or tractors you ran into on the other side of the level, items big enough to boost you to that golden breadth you're aiming for. Some levels also task you with more specialist goals, like approximating when you've reached 10 metres in size or avoiding all of the cow-coloured traffic cones. The language barrier can prove a little confusing at first, but seeing as the game is so amazingly fun you're unlikely to resent the odd retry.

If this description is leaving you feeling somewhat cold, then trust me when I say that Katamari Damashii really is far more than the sum of its parts. It's not just the concept, nor the gameplay alone that succeeds in pulling the player in. Katamari Damashii is a game of such joy and such beauty that it’s the experience as much as the game itself that is so memorable. "Joy" and "beauty" may sound rather coy, and they're certainly not words normally used to describe video games, but both are absolutely apt when describing Katamari Damashii. The whole title is crafted with a level of wonder, love and passion that I've previously never seen outside of a game. The soundtrack is absolutely magical (yes, I did say "magical") and is nearly worth the purchase price alone, especially when the sound test is unlocked once you've beaten all of the levels. Not only is the in-level catchy, memorable and varied but even the menu music is so good that you may well find that much of the time you listen for a while before you start playing - no joke. Also, the intro sequence is the single best introduction to a game that I have ever experienced. How many games do you own where you are guaranteed to sit through the opening every single time you play? Further more, how many games do you ever boot up just to watch the intro sequence? I've done that more than once with Katamari Damashii.

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As if the majestic musical score is not enough, the cartoonish stylised graphics are bold, colourful and imaginative. Each object is rendered with a wonderful precision and is nearly always instantly recognisable. Every object remains as crisp once attached to your ball and at any time you can peer through the multiple layers of objects you're rolling around and recognise deeply buried items. Pick up an angular or long object and it will affect the roll of your ball, so if you plan on picking up an especially long row of rulers, or even picket fences or lampposts, it pays to try and space them evenly around the ball making it easier to maintain momentum. Ball control is all the more important since whilst you'll only bounce off some larger items or walls, moving objects like mice, cows or cars will shunt you out of the way, causing you to drop some of your stuff and lose a bit of width.

Is this really a faultless title? No, of course not. I concede that there are times when you'll find yourself caught between some of the scenery and it can be a real struggle to gain the momentum needed to escape. Then again, when a title is as joyous as this it really isn't a problem; if you waste valuable time being snagged on some scenery, simply start again and experience the fun all over. The main criticism levelled at this game from many quarters is simply the shortness of it all, and it's true. The main levels can all be beaten in a couple of sittings and it's certainly saddening to see the final credits roll. Fortunately, not only is there an additional three levels to be unlocked (all of which will take a lot of practise to access) but there is also the added incentive of collecting not only as many of the thousands of objects strewn throughout the game as possible, but also the hidden prizes that can be used to decorate the Prince. Detailed records are available to see what items you’ve already gathered and more importantly, what you’re yet to pick up. Of course, such totality will not be to the taste of all but such features are a welcome addition and help to expand what is a disappointingly short title.

I understand that gamers operate on a limited budget, and when shelling out £40 on a game value for money is important. It can be tempting to go for a 100-hour epic RPG, or perhaps a title to entertain you and a few chums for months on end. But consider this – would you prefer a lifetime of mediocrity or a moment of ecstasy? Katamari Damashii may be short, but the possibly limited time it will spend in your is worth more than weeks and weeks some other titles may spend there. As import titles go it's relatively import friendly and a release is scheduled for September. Whilst there's no word yet on a PAL release, if there’s any justice in this world will do the right thing and bestow the wonders of Katamari Damashii upon us humble Europeans. If I have tempted you, and you have the means, import Katamari Damashii as soon as you possibly can. Not only can it be picked up for the same price as a PAL release at RRP (including postage), but you'll feel all warm and smug in the knowledge that you've just bought one of the greatest video games ever made.

96%
Highest Ferrago score ever? -Ed

96%

By Ben Parfitt